Garment-distender.



Patented July 3 2 SHEETS-SHEET I.

. n. J. WOOD. GARMENT DISTENDER. APPLICATION FILED JAN. 26, i9-

LWLWQQ Patented July 3, 1917.

2 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

WWW/w M 8 RODNEY J. WOOD, OF DAYTON, QHIO.

GARMENT-DISTENDLER.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented July 3, 19117.

Application filed. January 26, 1917. Serial No. 144,702.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, RODNEY J. VVooD, citizen of the United States, residing at Dayton, in the county of Montgomery and State of Ohio, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Garment-Distenders, of which the following is a specification.

My invention relates to wearing apparel and more particularly to a garment distender or filler for bow legged, or persons otherwise deformed.

The object of the invention is to simplify the structure as well as the means and mode of operation of garment supporting forms or stays, whereby they will not only be cheapened in construction, but will be more efficient in use, positive in operation, comfortable to the wearer, indiscernible to an observer, and unlikely to get out of repair,

Persons who have been slighted by nature and are of abnormal shape or deformed, and particularly persons possessed of bowed legs, are usually somewhat sensitive con cerning their appearance and desirous of employing apparatus or devices which by modifying the shape and hang of their garments will conceal and disguise their deformity or abnormal tendency and cause them to present as symmetrical and correct appearance as their fellow man. This desire or tendency is particularly in evldence among actors, public speakers, salesmen and others in commercial or professional pursuits who take pride in their personal appearance and possess a desire to appear well groomed. Persons possessed of bowed legs not only present a ludicrous appearance in public but also experience cons derable trouble in securing satisfactorily fitting garments.

In the past several different types of devices have been designed to overcome these defects and deficiencies inflicted by nature but as usually constructed have comprised some comparatively rigid frame work, form or pad which is uncomfortable to the wearer and prevents free muscle movement, or which when the wearer assumed a sitting position or the garment was subjected to lateral strain, tended to distort the normal lines of the garment and was easily distinguishable therethrough. Persons so afflicted who are sensitive concerning their afiiiction to the extent that they desire to disguise the same, are far more reluctant to have the dis-guise displayed by the distortion of the garment under unusual conditions.

With these peculiar controlling conditions in mind the present device has been designed to afford a stay or support for the garment which will maintain it distended to normal proportion when the wearer is standing at which time the deformity or abnormality is most evident, but which will readily yield to any undue strain or pressure upon the garment when the wearer assumes a sitting or stooping posture and thereby obviating any tendency for the outline of the filler or distender to be shown through the garment. Furthermore the yielding character of the filler enables the wearer to don and remove his garments without interference by the filler. Being flexible in character and suspended as hereinafter described, the device readily responds to movements of the limbs.

A further object of the invention is to provide a device which will be universal in its application by constructing it in such manner that it may be adjusted to different degrees of curvature or abnormality or adjusted to different garments of the same wear whereby any degree of corrective distention may be attained.

lVith the above primary and other incidental objects in View as will more fully appear in the specification, the invention con sists of the features of construction, the parts and combinations thereof and the mode of operation or their equivalents as hereinafter described and set forth in the claims.

Referring to the drawings, Figure 1 is a perspective view of the garment distender or filler forming the subject matter hereof applied to a bowed leg, the distended or supported garment being shown by the dot and dash line. Fig. 2 is a side elevation of the garment distender showing by dotted lines variations of adjustment. Fig. 3 is a similar view of a modification of the construe tion shown in Fig. 2. Fig. 4 shows a side view of a further modification embodying a plurality of struts combined with a single weight and showing by dotted lines a differ ent adjustment. Fig. 5 is a similar view of the construction as shown in Fig. 4, omitting the struts. Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a modified form of strut or distender having a limited swinging movement in one direction. Fig. 7 is side elevation of a modification embodying a plurality of independent spaced yielding struts or spacers. Fig. 8 shows a construction somewhat similar to Fig. 7 in which the struts or spacersare con.- nected one to the other. illustrate further modifications.

Like parts are indicated by similar characters of reference throughout the several views.

While the invention has been herein shown. and described as applied to the correctlon.

or disguisement of curved or bowed legs it other conditions for distending or modifymg the outline of the garment to agree with the dictates of style or the wishes of thewearer. For instance the device with the obvious modifications as to size and proportion may be employed for disguising some deficiency or distortion of the torso or of the arm. IVhile the device has been shown in the drawing applied to the inner side of the lower limb to correct the condition commonly designated as bowed leg, it is to be understood that it may be applied to the outer side to correct that condition commonly referred to as knock knee. It is therefore to be understood that any such application is to be considered as within the scope of the present invention.

In constructing the device for application as shown in the drawing, there is employed a band or garter 1, encircling the limb of the wearer above the knee. This band or garter may be of any material such as fabric leather or other flexible material, but is preferably of elastic webbing and is provided with the usual engaging clasp 2' and take up, 3, as connnonly found upon garters of this character. the garter or band 1 18 a pendent hanger'or strap 4, preferably of webbing to which are attached in spaced relation a plurality of substantially horizontally disposed struts or spacer members 5. In the construction shown in Figs. 1, 2, and 8 these struts or spacer members are either formed of metal or are comparatively heavily weighted at their outer ends, and are flexibly connected or hinged to the hanger strap 4 at their in- Figs. 9 and. 10

Suspended from ner ends. In Fig. 2 these struts or spacer members have been shown of a tapered or wedge shape, whereby the preponderance of weight is disposed at the outer or free end of the struts: In practice it has been found convenient and desirable to form the struts or spacers of metal of high specific gravity such as lead or-some alloy, and to inclose the metallic strut or spacer in a fabric covering, by which it is attached to the hanger and which protects the limbs and garments from direct contact with the metal. The outer or free endi of'the struts or spacer members 5 are connected to a suspension strap 6 also preferably of webbing, by which the struts orspacer members are supported in adjusted horizontal 013* inclined position according to the degree of? curvature-tobe corrected.

Tomod-ify the deviceto con-form to diiferent degrees of curvature or deformity or to effect different degrees ofdistention, the free ends of the struts or spacer members 5 are adjusted vertically as shownby dotted lines in Figs; 2' and 43., Both ends may be made adjustable as in Fig. 10.

In Fig. 2 each strut or spacer member 5 is connected at its outer end to a buckle or clasp 7 slidi'ngl'y mounted upon the suspension strap 6 with which it may be engaged in different positions of adjustment. By this means: the struts or spacer members 5 may be independently adjusted to different angular positions in relation with the hanger-4.

It will= be understood that the hanger 4: will conform to the contour of the limb of" the wearer to a greater or less extent. The 1imb= ofthe wearer thus forms an abutment for the inner ends of the struts or spacer members. Byadjusting the outer ends of the strutsto di'fierent inclined positions the suspension strap 6' may be maintained either substantially vertical as shown in Figs. 2, 3 and 4: or may be inclined slightly inward as shown in Fig. l. Also by varying the inclination of the struts or spacer members, the distance between the hanger a and the suspension strap- 6 may be varied laterally, thereby varying the degree of'distention of the garment.

In the construction shown in Fig. 3, the suspension strap 6 is provided with a single adjustment buckle or-clasp 8, and the struts or spacer members 5 are flexibly connected orhingedin. fixed spaoedrela-tion to the suspensionstrap- 6', similarly to their connection to the hangers. By adjusting the suspension strap clasp or buckle 8, the struts or spacer members 5' are adjusted in unison to difi'erent angular positions. For ordinary conditions of use this will be found efiicient. However for extraordinary conditions or where extreme accuracy of ad justment is desired the formof deviceshown in Figs. 1 and 2 embodying independent adjustment of the struts or spacers will be found most desirable.

To maintain the device in its proper position in relation with the limbs of the wearer and prevent undue swinging and swaying, and to further enable the device to perform double duty by serving as a hose supporter, a hose engaging clasp or loop 9 of any suitable or desired form may be attached to the lower end of the hanger strap 4 shown in Figs. 3 and 4:. By this means the hanger strap a is maintained tight or under tension and the device is suitably stayed or secured in the desired position.

However for convenience in adjusting the device to the length of the limb of the wearer or to difl'erent distances between the encircling band 1 and the top of the hose, the hose engaging clasp or loop 9 is preferably mounted upon a separate supporter strap 10, attached at midheight to the hanger strap 4. The hose engaging clasp or loop may be made adjustable on the supporter strap 10 by means of a suitable buckle or clamp 11 preferably mounted upon the strap and by which the clamp or loop is secured in adjusted position.

In Fig. a there is shown a construction similar to that shown in Fig. 3 as before described except that the struts or spacer members 5 are not weighted, but are formed of comparatively light material and a single weight 12 suspended on the lower end of the suspension strap (3 serves to yieldingly draw the struts or spacer members 5 downward to operative position. It will be understood that in the construction shown Figs. 1 and 4 inclusive and here tofore described the struts or spacer members may readily yield upwardly under the influence of any retraction of the garment or in pulling the garment upward upon the limb of the wearer, and that immediately upon the release of the tension or pull upon the garment, the weighted strut or spacer 5 of the constructions shown in Figs. 1. 2, and 3 or the Weight 12 of the construction shown in Fig. 41 will immediately return the struts or spacer members to operative position under the influence of gravity. The struts or spacer members are thus free at all times to yield to any strain or pressure but will automatically reassume their operative positions upon release of such influenee.

In Fig. 5 there is shown a construction somewhat similar to that in Fig. 1, but employing a single strut or spacer in lieu of the plurality of such members. In this construction a single suspended weight 12 serves as a plumb bob and maintains the suspension strap 6 under sufiicient tension to hold the garment in distended position.

In Fig. 6 is shown a modified form of strut or spacer device comprising arms 13 pivoted at 14 in brackets 15 which may be either fixedly or adjustably secured to the hanger strap 4:. The arms 13 are of substantially bell crank type having a short laterally disposed arm or shoulder 16 extending beyond the pivotal connection 14 and adapted to abut against the face of the bracket or support 15 to limit the oscillation of the arm 13. The arms 13 may be weighted at their outer extremities and operated independently one of another, or they may be connected one to the other by a strap similar to the suspension strap 6 or by a cord as indicated at 17.

In lieu of the gravity operated devices before described the struts or spacers may be formed resilient either of helicoidal springs shown in F igs. 7 and 8 or spring material having the inherent capability of returning to normal position when deflected therefrom. In Fig. 7 there are shown a plurality of struts or spacers supported upon the hanger strap a and projecting laterally therefrom. These spacers in this particular instance have been shown as helical springs 18 seated in suitable socket members 19 attached to the hanger strap, *1, and carrying at their free ends bearing heads 20 which may be of any suitable shape but which have been shown spherical. These struts will yield in any direction to pressure or strain but immediately upon release of such strain or pressure will return to normal operative position, and will hold the garment distended in relation with the leg of the wearer.

In Fig. 8 there has been shown a similar construction of resilient struts or spacer members except that the spacer members 18 are connected at their free ends by a link 21 which may be of wire or of flexible cable. The connecting link 21 will tend to maintain alinement or the garment intermediate the suppo-rts or struts thereby enabling the struts to be more widely separated. The struts of Fig. 8 like those of Fig. 7 will respond to pressure or strain in any direction and will automatically return when released from such influence. It is to be understood that the hanger strap -1 of which only a portion shown in Figs. 6, 7 and S is similar to the hanger shown in the preceding figures and is attached to its upper end at an encircling band or garter and carries at its lower end a hose engaging clasp or loop 9 or in lieu of the directly connected hose engaging member it carries the supporter strap 10 as before described.

As before mentioned the device is not limited to the correction or disguising of bow legs, but may be applied to disguising other deformities. It will be understood that in applying the device to the torso a belt of suitable size will be substituted for the garter 1 and the lower end of the hanger strap 4- may be attached to other garments than the hose.

Furthermore while the device has been heretofore described, and has been shown in the drawing as attached to the body of the wearer, it is to be understood that it may be reversed in its relation to the wearer and the garment and the hanger strap t may be attached to the garment itself with the spacers or struts projecting inward and bearing at their free end against the body of the wearer. If so desired in such case the hanger 4 may be entirely omitted and struts or spacers may be hinged or flexibly connected direct to the garment.

From the above description it will be apparent that there is thus provided a device of the character described, possessing the particular features of advantage before enumerated as desirable, but which obviously is susceptible to modification in its form, proportion, detail construction or arrangement of parts, without departing from the principle involved or sacrificing any of its advantages.

lVhile in order to comply with the statute the invention has been described in language more or less specific as to certain structural features, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to any specific details, but that the means and construction herein described comprise but one mode of putting the invention into effect, and the invention is therefore claimed broadly in any of its possible forms or modifications within the scope of the appended claims.

Having thus described my invention I claim 1. In a garment distending device, comprising a limb encircling band and a pendant hanger attached to the band and a plurality of laterally extending yielding struts carried by the pendant hanger to hold the garment in spaced relation with the limb of the wearer.

2. In a garment distending device, a plurality of yielding struts and substantially parallel flexible supports attached one to the other at their upper ends between which the struts are supported in angularly disposed positions intermediate the body of the wearer and his garment.

3. In a garment distending device, a flexible pendant strap and a plurality of yielding struts carried thereby in positions angular to the body of the wearer, intermediate the body of the wearer and his garment.

4. In a garment distending device a plurality of struts or spacing members abutting at one end upon the body of the wearer and at the other end on the garment, a support to which the struts are pivoted, a limiting strap connected to said support at its upper end to which the free ends of the struts are attached, and adapted to limit the descent of said struts, said struts being arranged in spaced relation one with the other and adapted to yield upwardly to undue stress or strain.

5. In a garment distending device, a supporting member, a plurality of struts hinged to the supporting member in spaced relation, and a second supporting member connected to the first mentioned supporting member to which the opposite ends of the struts are attached whereby the struts are yieldingly supported in position angularly disposed in relation with the said supporting members.

6. In a garment distending device, a strut, a support therefor to which one end of the strut is hinged, and means for limiting the movement of the strut in one direction about its hinged connection while permitting free yielding movement in the opposite direction.

7. In a garment distending device a gravity operated swinging strut in predetermined relation with the body of the wearer, means for limiting the swinging movement of the strut in one direction, said strut being free to yield in the opposite direction.

8. In a garment distending device, a gravity actuated swinging strut and means for supporting said strut in predetermined positions of radial adjustment, but permitting the strut to yield upwardly.

9. In a garment distending device, a weighted strut, a support to which the strut is hinged, and means for adj ustably sup porting the strut in different positions of radial adjustment, said strut being capable of yield ing from its adjusted position to which it is returned under the influence of gravity.

10. In a garment distending device, an en circling band, a pendant hanger carried thereby, a plurality of laterally extending struts hinged to the hanger 'andextending laterally therefrom, and a flexible limiting member engaged with the free ends of the struts and connected at its upper end by which the descent of the free ends of the struts under the influence of gravity is limited.

11. In a garment distending device, two substantially parallel flexible pendant hangers connected one to the other and a plurality of interposed laterally extending struts connecting the pendent supports one to the other, and means for supporting the hangers in predetermined relation with the body ,of the wearer.

12. In a garment distending device, comprising a plurality of laterally extending swinging struts and an adjustable supporting hanger for the free ends of said struts by which the struts may be limited to different angular positions of adjustment.

13. In a garment distending device, comprising a plurality of laterally extending swinging struts and a supporting hanger for the free ends of said struts to Which the my hand.

RODNEY J. WOOD. Witness:

EDW. E. DUNCAN.

Copies of this patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of Patents, Washington, I). G. 

